RME ADI-8 QS M
Madi Moni
RME ADI-8 QS M

RME’s ADI-8 QS M is a highly specified 8-Channel Analogue/MADI/ADAT converter that combines superior analogue circuit design with the latest, outstanding low latency AD/DA converter chips.

The ADI-8 QS M provides AD and DA conversion of the highest quality and includes RME’s renowned SteadyClock™, analogue and digital limiters, 4 hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, AES3, ADAT and MADI I/O at up to 192 kHz, remote control via MIDI, digital input and output trimming for full level calibration, volume control for all 8 analogue outputs, either separately or globally, digital thru-mode, operation over a wide voltage range and many more features make the QS truly unique.

I64 MADI Card

The I64 MADI Card provides the QS with a 64-Channel MADI input and output. Coaxial and optical output operates in parallel to the AES3 and ADAT output, therefore delivering the same data.

The I64 MADI Card features an optical and coaxial MADI input. The input is switched automatically, according to where a valid input signal is detected. Full redundancy is ensured by the automatic input switching, immediately changing to the other input in case of loss of the input signal.

The MADI input will operate as an optional clock source (Clock section, OPTN), as signal source of the DA-converter and as thru-input. Since each QS uses only 8 channels, up to 56 channels can be passed through. This technique is used to serially cascade several QS converters. Incoming MADI data is passed through unchanged; only one block of eight channels is replaced. This allows up to 8 devices to be connected serially. All 64 combined channels are available at the last device’s MADI output.

The QS can also be remote controlled via MADI. At the same time MIDI data is transmitted via MADI.

The ADI-8 QS is RME’s reference – highest performance in every detail, at an unbeaten price/performance ratio.

Overview of the ADI-8 QS’s most important features:

  • 8-Channel AD converter, fully symmetrical design, 117 dBA
  • 8-Channel DA converter, DC-coupled signal path, double balanced output, 120 dBA
  • Low latency conversion: only 8 samples of delay
  • 4 x AES3 I/O via D-Sub, 8 channels @ 192 kHz
  • 2 x ADAT I/O, 8 channels @ 96 kHz
  • Digital input/output trim, range 6 dB per I/O
  • Analogue and digital limiter for AD-conversion
  • 16 LED level meters with 7 LEDs each
  • Included remote control for store/recall, volume and DIM
  • SyncCheck, unique technology to check clock synchronisation
  • All settings are stored permanently
  • Fully remote controllable

Connectivity:

  • 8 x Analogue I/O (up to +24 dBu)
  • 4 x AES3 I/O (8 channels @ 192 kHz)
  • 2 x ADAT I/O (SMUX and SMUX4)
  • MIDI I/O
  • Word Clock I/O
  • MADI I/O (I64 MADI Card)
  • External Remote Controller (Volume, DIM, Preset)

Description

The 1u AD18 QS M offers an outstanding AD/DA conversion from/to AES3, MADI and ADAT at up to 192 kHz. RME’s balanced inputs and outputs guarantee outstanding noise and distortion performance. Four different input and output levels each are available, that adapt perfectly to the analogue domain. The latest generation AD/DA converters provide sample rates up to 192 kHz with an SNR of 120 dBA.
Due to its efficient jitter reduction, SteadyClock(TM) guarantees pristine sound quality independently from the quality of the external clock signal. Additionally Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) will retain the last valid sample frequency in case of the loss of the input signal.

The technologies known from other RME products like SyncCheck® ensure perfect synchronization and clear detection of errors. Multiple units can be stacked and operated sample-aligned, using word clock. All settings are stored when the unit is switched off.

The QS can be fully remote controlled and configured via MIDI, and all status displays can be queried through MIDI. Each QS can be given a separate ID, allowing separate remote controllability of various devices with only one MIDI channel.
The hardware remote allows the control of monitoring volume and DIM function (-20dB) directly from the mix position. A reference volume can be stored and recalled anytime.

Low Latency

In the QS, RME uses a high-class AD converter from Cirrus Logic, offering exceptional Signal to Noise and distortion figures. But the biggest difference to all other ADCs available is its innovative digital filter, achieving for the first time a delay of only 12 samples in Single Speed (0.25 ms), 9 samples in Double Speed (0.09 ms), and 5 (!) samples in Quad Speed (0.026 ms).

These values are less than a quarter of those available from much more expensive devices. They represent an important step in further reducing the latency in the computer-based recording studio. At DS and QS the added latency can simply be ignored. The DA-converter offers similar conversion in the range of 5 to 10 samples, turning analogue digital monitoring into real analogue-style monitoring!

When multiple devices are connected serially, the MADI I/O of each QS causes a delay of 3 samples. Therefore at the MADI output of the last device, the data of all upstreamed devices is delayed. The problem of this offset is solved by the function Delay Compensation.

Technical Specifications

  • Input AD: 1/4″ TRS jack and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced, completely symmetrical audio path
  • Output AD: 4 x AES/EBU, 2 x ADAT optical, optional MADI
  • Input DA: 4 x AES/EBU, 2 x ADAT optical, optional MADI
  • Output DA:1/4″ TRS jack servo balanced, up to +21 dBu. 25 pin D-sub, balanced, up to +24 dBu. DC-coupled audio path
  • Dynamic Range AD: 117 dBA
  • THD AD: < -110 dB (< 0.00032 %)
  • THD+N AD: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)
  • Crosstalk AD: > 130 dB
  • Dynamic Range DA: 120 dBA unmuted
  • THD DA: < -104 dB (< 0.00063 %)
  • THD+N DA: < -102 dB (< 0.0008 %)
  • Crosstalk DA: > 110 dB
  • Input level for 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4.2 dBu, each adjustable by 6 dB in steps of 0.5 dB via Digital Input Trim
  • Output level for 0 dBFS: +24 dBu, +19 dBu, +13 dBu, +4.2 dBu, each adjustable by +/- 6 dB in steps of 0.5 dB
  • Output level global: 0 down to -96 dB in 48 steps
  • Sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, variable (sync/word)
  • Frequency response AD/DA, -0.1 dB: 10 Hz – 23.2 kHz (sf 48 kHz)
  • Frequency response AD/DA, -0.5 dB: < 5 Hz – 44.6 kHz (sf 96 kHz)
  • Frequency response AD/DA, -1 dB: < 5 Hz – 63.4 kHz (sf 192 kHz)
  • Power supply: Internal switching mode PS, 100 V-240 V AC
  • Dimensions (WxHxD) 483 x 44 x 200 mm
  • Warranty: 2 years

Brochures

RME ADI-8 QS Brochure – PDF

Manuals

RME ADI-8 QS Manual – PDF

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